Let’s just say structure isn’t my thing. As it turns out, kids kind of need that. My 8 and 10 year-old and I had developed this very efficient system where I would ask them to do something before they could go play, and then they would not do it. Two hours later, as they were playing, I would realize that they hadn’t done it, and so I would try to get them to stop playing and go do it! Needless to say this wasn’t working out so well.

Here are the 3 steps I took to go Get Organized:

I purchased the Magnetic Checklist Bundle from The Trip Clip: $19.95

The first thing I did was get a Magnetic Checklist Bundle. I was really excited to give my kids some structure, and to reduce my persistent “reminders” about what they were supposed to be doing. Of course I thought that I would put it on the refrigerator, it’s a magnet, right? But then I realized that all of the activities that I wanted my kids to be responsible for happened upstairs. I don’t have a fridge upstairs.

I purchased and painted a cookie sheet: $3.00

I went to the local thriftshop and picked up a cookie sheet for $3.00 (I brought a magnet with me to make sure it was magnetic). Then, I spray-painted it a bright “you can’t ignore me” yellow and screwed it to the wall.

I printed out my magnets

I wrote down all of the things that I wanted them to do, printed them out, stuck them to the magnet sheet, cut them out and voila! Structure at last.

I am not exaggerating when I say that it worked like magic! Not only are my kids motivated to clear off their “To Do” column, but it is a great reminder for me about what they are supposed to have done. Now when I see them playing, I can quickly look at the chart and see if they have done their jobs. I don’t have to say a word. Why didn’t I do this sooner?

Here are a few tips I learned when putting together the magnets for my kids:

If you have two kids, you need two of every activity you want both of them to do.

If you like a picture, but want to change the text, you can drag it to your list, double click it, change the text and then click ok.

I used 3 magnets as labels to divide the columns into morning, after school, and bedtime. I get home from work after they get home from school, so I want them to have structure when I’m not there (because you don’t want to hear about our “why didn’t you do your homework” routine). I also have extra chore magnets around the outside that I switch in as needed.